Blog Post

When preparing to ship your vehicle, you might find yourself facing a dilemma common among vehicle owners and auto enthusiasts alike. Beyond the logistics of selecting a reputable shipping company and choosing the best shipping method, a crucial question emerges: Can you put stuff in your vehicle when shipping it? This practical consideration not only affects how you prepare your car for transport but also has implications regarding legality, safety, and insurance.

Understanding the Shipping Process

Shipping a vehicle isn’t as straightforward as mailing a package; it involves a detailed process that requires careful planning and preparation. Most commonly, vehicles are shipped via an open-air trailer or in a more protected environment like an enclosed trailer, depending on the level of protection desired and the budget at hand. Regardless of the method, the question of whether personal items can accompany the vehicle remains prevalent.

Regulations and Best Practices

The official stance on loading personal items into a vehicle for shipping can vary depending on the shipping company and regulatory bodies involved. However, a few common regulations and best practices should be considered:

• Legal Weight Limits: Vehicles on a transporter have to adhere to strict weight limits. Adding personal items to your vehicle could potentially push the overall weight beyond these legal limits, which is something shipping companies want to avoid.
• Insurance Coverage: Typically, the insurance provided by auto transport companies does not cover personal belongings left inside the vehicle during transit. In the event of theft or damage, your items may not be protected.
• Security and Safety: Items inside the vehicle can shift during transport, potentially causing damage to the vehicle’s interior. There’s also the risk of theft, as personal items in plain sight might attract unwanted attention.

Risks and Liabilities

Understanding the risks involved with loading your vehicle with personal items is crucial. Here are some key considerations:

• Damage: Items can move around and scratch the interior or break windows.
• Theft: Vehicles are not always under watch, making them targets for opportunistic theft.
• Additional Costs: Some carriers may allow you to ship personal items in your vehicle but will often charge extra for the added weight and liability.

Allowed Items to Ship Inside Your Vehicle

When transporting your vehicle with personal items inside, a variety of belongings are commonly accepted for shipment. Although the exact details can differ due to the policies of the shipping company and the regulations of the destination, the items listed below are usually allowed:

1. Clothing and Bedding: It’s usually fine to pack clothes, bedding, and linens, making them a go-to choice for efficiently using space.
2. Non-Perishable Foods: You’re good to go with canned and other non-perishable foods, as long as they’re securely sealed to avoid any messes.
3. Reading Materials: Bringing along books and magazines is often a smart and space-saving packing choice.
4. Small Household Items: Feel free to include kitchen tools, cookware, and sturdy decorative pieces, as these are typically welcome.
5. Toys and Games: Utilizing space for toys, board games, and other leisure items can be a wise move.
6. Personal Care Items: Packing solid personal care items, such as toiletries and cosmetics, is generally fine, but make sure they’re well-secured.
7. Electronics: Small electronics, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones, are usually allowed, provided they’re adequately protected.
8. Baby Essentials: Essentials for babies, like diapers, formula, and non-perishable food, are commonly accepted.
9. Non-Valuable Items: It’s advisable to transport items of low monetary or sentimental value, as they pose less risk.

Please be aware that shipping companies often have specific guidelines and restrictions. It’s crucial to verify these with your chosen provider before loading your vehicle with any items. Furthermore, make sure your belongings are securely packed to avoid movement and possible damage while in transit.

Items Prohibited for Shipping in Your Car

When transporting your vehicle along with personal items, it’s vital to understand that certain items are commonly banned for safety, legal, or regulatory reasons. Although the exact rules might differ based on the shipping company and the destination, typically forbidden items include:

1. Hazardous Materials: Refrain from transporting hazardous materials, including flammable, explosive, or corrosive substances, due to significant safety risks.
2. Perishable Goods: Avoid placing perishable items like food, plants, or live animals in your car, as they might attract pests, emit odors, or spoil during the journey.
3. Illegal Substances: Avoid transporting illegal substances, drugs, or contraband to prevent legal consequences.
4. Valuables: It’s wise to not transport valuable items such as jewelry, cash, or important documents in your car, considering security risks.
5. Firearms and Weapons: Do not transport firearms, ammunition, and weapons in your vehicle without complying with stringent legal guidelines.
6. Sensitive Electronics: Transport delicate electronics like laptops and tablets separately to prevent damage from movement during transit.
7. Aerosol Products: Aerosol cans, including cleaners or personal care items, may leak or explode due to changes in temperature and pressure, so avoid transporting them.
8. Medications: Certain medications require specific storage conditions that a vehicle cannot provide, potentially affecting their effectiveness.
9. Highly Valuable Items: Opt for more secure transportation methods for items of high monetary or sentimental value, rather than shipping them in your car.

Always adhere to the detailed guidelines issued by your selected shipping company and thoroughly investigate all pertinent regulations, particularly when shipping your vehicle internationally. Compliance with these instructions guarantees a more seamless and secure transport process for your vehicle and any personal items you decide to ship.

Alternatives to transport personal items

If you need to transport personal items along with your vehicle, consider the following alternatives:

• Shipping Separately: It might be more advantageous to ship your personal items separately through a dedicated cargo or parcel service.
• Professional Movers: For larger moves, hiring a moving company to handle both your household goods and vehicle might be the most efficient solution.

Essential Tips for Shipping Your Vehicle with Personal Items:

Here are the top tips to consider if you’re shipping your vehicle with personal belongings:

1. Review Shipping Policies: Thoroughly investigate the shipping company’s specific rules on transporting personal items in your vehicle. Be aware that certain restrictions or guidelines may apply.
2. Select Essentials Only: Choose only necessary items that are not of high value. Keeping valuable or irreplaceable items out of the shipment minimizes the risk of their loss or damage during the move.
3. Ensure Secure Packing: Safeguard your belongings by securing them properly to avoid movement during transport. Employing the right packing materials and methods can greatly reduce the risk of damage to both your items and the vehicle.
4. Observe Weight Restrictions: Pay attention to the shipping company’s weight limits. Overloading can compromise vehicle safety and may lead to extra fees.
5. Document Your Items: Compile a detailed inventory of what you’re putting in your car. Photograph each item along with its condition prior to shipping for documentation purposes, should any disputes arise.
6. Verify Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your vehicle’s insurance policy covers personal items during transit. If necessary, consider obtaining additional insurance to protect your possessions.
7. Adhere to International Regulations: When shipping abroad, familiarize yourself with the receiving country’s rules about transporting personal items. Ensure you meet all customs and legal requirements to avoid complications.

Adhering to these guidelines will guarantee a more streamlined and secure process when transporting your vehicle along with personal items.

Conclusion

While putting stuff in your vehicle during shipping might seem like a convenient way to move belongings, it’s important to weigh the legal, safety, and insurance implications. Most experts recommend against it due to the potential risks and liabilities involved.

Before making a decision, consult with your chosen vehicle transport company about their policies and any additional services they might offer for transporting personal items. Making an informed choice will help ensure that both your vehicle and belongings arrive safely at their destination.

Ready to move your vehicle safely and efficiently? Contact Safe Car Hauling for a detailed car shipping quote and expert advice on the best way to prepare your vehicle for transport, ensuring peace of mind throughout the process.

FAQs

Can you put your belongings in a car when shipping it?

It’s completely lawful to place personal belongings in your vehicle when shipping it. Nonetheless, not every company permits this due to potential damage or theft risks. It is advisable to remove all personal items prior to shipping your car for optimal safety.

Is it better to ship a car open or enclosed?

Enclosed transportation offers greater safety compared to open car shipping, though it comes at a higher cost. 

How much can you pack in your car when shipping?

The majority of car shipping companies permit the packing of personal items up to a weight limit of one hundred pounds in your vehicle. However, it is important to note that these companies absolve themselves of any liability for lost or damaged items.

How do you ship a car with personal items?

The most secure method for shipping a car along with personal belongings is to consolidate the items into a single box or suitcase, which should then be placed in the vehicle’s trunk.

Does a car have to be empty to ship? 

While shipping your car, it’s not mandatory for it to be completely empty, but adhering to specific guidelines is crucial. Many companies advise the removal of all personal belongings to mitigate the risks of damage or theft.